Farrah Fawcett

Posted on June 29, 2009

February 2, 1947 – June 25, 2009

by Jen Houston

Why We Should Care: As model of arguably the most popular hairstyle (and nipples) of the 20th century, blonde bombshell Farrah Fawcett captivated the country when her 1976 swimsuit poster sold a record 5-12 million copies. The flipped-out coif she sported during those formative years, dubbed “The Farrah,” was seen on wannabes everywhere throughout the rest of the decade. The favourite ‘Angel’ of many loyal male and female viewers, she rapidly became a marketing sensation, with dolls and wigs made in her image. Throughout the later part of her career she proved herself as more than just a pretty face, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in Extremities (1986) and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female in The Apostle (1997). When she posed for Playboy in 1995 – at age 50 – it became their highest-selling issue of the decade, even though she was pictured only partially nude (take that Pam!)

Hottest Hook-Ups: She had a roller-coaster relationship with fellow actor Ryan O’Neal throughout the past three decades, and they became engaged just days before she passed away. Ex-husband Lee Majors, the Six Million Dollar Man, recently referred to her in a statement as “an angel on earth, and now an angel forever.”

Three Traits We Admire: Her bravery in the face of a life-threatening illness, her iconic contributions to pop culture (and hair) and her sexy confidence.

For Her Biopic We’d Cast: Christina Applegate. They’re both gorgeous, classy blondes with great cheekbones, and Applegate’s recent battle with breast cancer (she’s a survivor) would give her an idea of the stress the Angel went through.

In Her Own Words: “God made man stronger but not necessarily more intelligent. He gave women intuition and femininity. And, used properly, that combination easily jumbles the brain of any man I’ve ever met.”

“When [Charlie’s Angels] was number three, I thought it was our acting. When we got to be number one, I decided it could only be because none of us wears a bra.”

“The reason that the all-American boy prefers beauty to brains is that he can see better than he can think.”

“As much as I would have liked to have kept my cancer private, I now realize that I have a certain responsibility to those who are fighting their own fights and may be able to benefit from learning about mine.”

“I’ve lived a full and wonderful life. I’ve loved and been loved. I’m happy. I’m ready.”